US Ambassador's Statement on Berta Cáceres

The US Ambassdor to Honduras has issued a statement calling on the Honduran government to conduct a "prompt and thorough" investigation into the murder of Berta Cáceres, and strongly condemns the crime.

While we welcome the statement, we must note that during the 2009 military coup in Honduras, the US government, with Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, worked behind the scenes to keep Honduras' elected government from being reinstated. Additionally, the US government continues to fund the Honduran military, despite the sharp rise in the homicide rate, political repression, and the murders of political opposition and peasant activists. 

Read our statement on the assassination, and see the US ambassador's statement below.

Condolence Message to Honduran People from U.S. Ambassador James D. Nealon

On behalf of the people and government of the United States of America, I wish to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Berta Caceres, Coordinator of the Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), who was murdered early today in her home in Intibucá.

We strongly condemn this despicable crime. The United States of America calls for a prompt and thorough investigation into this crime and for the full force of the law to be brought to bear against those found responsible.

I have spoken this morning to Honduran authorities and offered all the resources of the United States Government to assist in bringing these criminals to justice.

Mensaje de Condolencia del Embajador de los EE.UU James D. Nealon 

En nombre del pueblo y gobierno de los Estados Unidos de América, deseo expresar  mis más profundas condolencias para los familiares y amigos de la coordinadora del Consejo Cívico de Organizaciones Populares e Indígenas de Honduras (COPINH), Berta Cáceres, quien fue objeto de un cobarde asesinato esta madrugada en su casa en Intibucá.

Condenamos fuertemente este repudiable crimen. Los Estados Unidos de América hace un llamado  por  una pronta y exhaustiva investigación de este crimen y que se aplique todo el peso de la ley a los que resulten responsables.

Esta mañana me he comunicado con las autoridades hondureñas y he ofrecido todos los recursos de mi gobierno para apoyar los esfuerzos para llevar a estos criminales ante la justicia.